Start your licensing education with LEAP's Texas real estate pre-licensing course, designed to help you complete the required coursework online.

In Texas, most applicants for a real estate salesperson or broker license must submit fingerprints as part of the background check process. This is a standard requirement and must be completed before the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) can finish reviewing your criminal history.

The fingerprinting step is part of the state’s security and fitness review, which helps TREC decide whether an applicant meets the legal standards for licensure. You will usually register with an approved fingerprint vendor after starting the licensing process, and your fingerprints will be used to check both Texas and national records.

Fingerprints are separate from the education and exam requirements, so they should be treated as their own part of the application. If you wait too long to complete them, your license approval could be delayed even if you have already finished your coursework and passed the exam.

The best approach is to follow TREC’s instructions as soon as they tell you to schedule fingerprinting. Check your application portal and the TREC website so you know exactly when and how to complete this step.

If you are still working through the rest of the process, it helps to plan ahead. Texas requires pre-licensing education, an application, the state exam, and the background check. A good education program can help you move through those steps more smoothly, and Leap Real Estate’s Texas pre-licensing course is one option to consider: https://leaprealestate.com/state-licenses/texas-pre-licensing.

Applicants with any criminal history should pay close attention to the fingerprint review. TREC considers the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and other factors under state rules. An old or minor issue does not automatically prevent licensure, but it may require extra review or documentation.

Bottom line: fingerprints are required for most Texas real estate license applicants and are a normal part of the licensing process. Because rules and procedures can change, always confirm the latest instructions with TREC before submitting your application.